In Maharashtra, there’s a government scheme that’s at the centre of the assembly polls – the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojna, which provides support to low-income women aged between 21 and 60. Last year, a similar scheme was credited for changing the electoral outcome in Madhya Pradesh, and the Mahayuti alliance is hoping for something similar in Maharashtra.

Newslaundry visited rural pockets of Vidarbha to meet with women farmers, for whom benefits under the scheme could vastly impact their fortunes. But their responses were mixed. 

Some said they received benefits as soon as the scheme was rolled out in July, saying it provided them with much-needed financial independence to cover their personal expenses without having to rely on their husbands. A few cautiously expressed their opinion that the scheme was launched “just to get votes”, since they’re still waiting for benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, despite enrolling “multiple times”. 

But a few widows in Vidarbha were less enthusiastic. “I have not received my widow pension since the launch of Ladki Bahin,” said one.

Watch. 

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